Education and affiliations:
- University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (2009, DMD)
- Arizona State University, (2004, BS Microbiology)
- Member of American Dental Association
- Member of Arizona Dental Association
Where did you grow up?
I moved to Arizona from Texas when I was 2 years old, so while not technically a native Arizonian, I’m pretty close. I grew up in Tempe and went to McClintock High School, followed by Arizona State University for my undergraduate studies.
Did you always know you wanted to be a dentist?
I knew that I wanted to help people and I wanted to work in healthcare, I just didn’t know in what capacity. It wasn’t until I started to shadow my childhood dentist that I realized it’s what I wanted to do.
What is your favorite part of your profession?
I like meeting new people and just talking to them and finding out where they are from, where they’ve been. More often than not, someone who is from a different background, upbringing and generation has a great deal in common with you and it’s fun to find out those connections. With dentistry, each day is different than the day before; there is no monotony with it.
What do you enjoy to do on your free time? Any hobbies?
I am a huge sports fan. I go to every ASU football home game with my family.
I also enjoy vacationing with my family. Having small kids, it’s fun watching them enjoy certain sights and places for the first time.
As a personal hobby, I like going to the gym and training. I find it to be a great stress release as well as a great way to continuously challenge myself. I have competed in several bodybuilding/fitness competitions and have won several trophies!